Patrick
As much as I hate not playing hockey, being a roadie is kind of amazing. We travel during the night then sight see during the day. We've been to the beaches in Virginia to fishing in Maine. When we travel for hockey we aren't awarded this freedom to do all this stuff, you're there to do a job. But now I have my girl and not a care in the world as to what is expected of me. I'm here to have a good time and I'm actually having a great time.
As the tour winds down we have a stop in my hometown of Buffalo, New York. I got my family tickets to the concert here tonight and was going to chill with them all day today while Lizzie rehearsed and met her thousands of fans just in this small town.
Elizabeth and my sisters went shopping for outfits for the concert tonight and I went home for the day. I bring Precious with me and let her run around the backyard so she's free for once. I sit with my parents in the living room as I catch them up on the wedding planning we've gotten done so far.
"It's set for February 5th, 2015 in Chicago. It's red and white themed and yes... it's a buffet, don't worry dad. Her maid of honor is Vivian and she has Lindsey and the girls in the band in the rest of her party. My best man is Jonathan and I have Andrew, Kurt, Sharpy, and my childhood friend Brian in my party. We don't have all the details picked out but we'll figure it out" I shrug.
"Do you have a ring for her" my mom asks.
"No. I don't even know where to start with that" I admit.
"Wait here" she instructs before getting up and going down the hall. I talk with my dad for a few minutes before my mom returns with a old looking ring box. She places it in my lap before sitting across from me.
"Open it" she encourages and I do so. Inside was a beautiful old fashion wedding ring. It was all cleaned up and looked real nice.
"It's breathtaking, where did you get this" I gasp.
"It was you grandmothers. Her and your grandpa were together for 52 years before she passed. He was planning on giving it to you before you purposed but it didn't work out that way. But in his will he said it's yours... only if you put it on Lizzie's finger" she explains.
"Of course, I can't think of another girl worthy of such a ring" I admit holding it up.
"He would be so proud of you. You're doing great things Patrick, on and off the ice" she claims patting my knee.
"Thanks momma" I smile.
Eventually it comes time for the concert and everyone goes to the First Niagara Center and heads to the floor. The concert starts and I find myself enjoying my time like I do at all of their concerts. Usually I'm behind the scenes messing with the lights or watching from whichever room had food in it but it was so cool out here. Watching Amber kill it on bass was so amazing and her little duet with Andrew on drums... adorable. Tyler joined us in the floor tonight and that made my dad really happy, anything hockey related did really.
It comes time for Elizabeth to do her performance by herself so she takes her guitar and sits on the edge of the stage.
"How are y'all feeling tonight" she asks and they all cheer.
"Well that's great to hear. I'm happy to see all your smiling faces. Whether you're from here in Buffalo or if you traveled hundreds of miles, thanks for hanging out with me" she says.
"I love you" I yell and my sister Erica nudges me.
"I love you too. Hey guys, guess what? My future hubby and my future family are here say hi everyone" she says and everyone says hi.
"Thank y'all for being such a great crowd tonight, it make this country girl from the city's heart so full. Now if you guys don't mind I would like to sing you a song" she says strumming her guitar. She starts singing a song and everyone pulls their phones out acting like the flashlight is a lighter as they sway along. I snap a picture of her smiling at the crowd then of her staring at me. I get a chill as I put my phone down and she was still singing, still looking at me. I feel my heart rate pick up and suddenly I'm reminded of what it means to be in love. And to me... it means the world.
After the concert we all hang out on the bus. We were about to start heading home and my dad had to work tomorrow so the reunion was cut short. But they promised to come visit once we got back into Chicago.
They all go home and Elizabeth takes a shower as the bus pulls off again. I lay in bed and look at the picture I took tonight. She looked so good, she looked so happy. And I was so proud of her.
I decide to be cliche and post the picture with a little shout out on instagram.
@88PKane: Had a amazing night with the family at the Rising Star concert! Shout out to my amazing and talented fiancé for a great night. Love you so much baby girl ❤️
She eventually gets out the shower and joins me in bed. She still has a towel on top of her head as a attempt to dry her crazy hair.
"Did you see Shawzys comment on your post" she asks.
"Oh god, what did he say" I groan and she shows me a picture.
@Shawz65: You guys are having fun without me? Is that even possible? I'm just saying that your tour would be better is a certain hockey player was allowed to be a backup dancer (it's me).
I shake my head and just have to laugh at him, what a mutt. I pull Lizzie and her gigantic towel head into me and kiss her cheek.
"Thanks for another amazing night" I whisper.
"Thanks for an amazing life" she smiles. Man am I lucky.